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Aiken Landowner Achieves Goals with USDA Cost-Share Programs
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David Lewis (left) of Aiken, SC, discusses the plans for his land with NRCS District Conservationist David Howe. |
by Amy O. Maxwell, USDA-NRCS,
Communications and Marketing Specialist
David D. Lewis, of Aiken County, South Carolina, is a
dedicated hunter and an avid fisherman. So much so, that Lewis is buying land in
an effort to establish his own hunting and fishing areas. Five years ago, he
contacted David Howe, NRCS district conservationist, for technical guidance.
Since that time, NRCS has helped him restore and enlarge an existing pond, plant
trees on highly erodible land, and plant grass for bailing hay. Lewis received
cost-share and technical assistance for his conservation efforts through NRCS’
Forestry Incentives Program (FIP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Working with Howe, Lewis has been able to accomplish goals that he once
thought were impossible.
"In 1993, I established a goal for myself to purchase
idle farmland and convert it into something productive." Without NRCS'
guidance and cost-share assistance, I would never have accomplished this much
and probably would have made a lot more mistakes," emphasized Lewis. He
owns approximately 200 acres of land that consists of 30 acres of pastureland,
100 acres of bottomland swamp that borders the Edisto River, a five-acre pond,
and a remaining 65 acres of woodland. Aside from his wish to create prime
hunting and fishing areas, Lewis is a true conservationist. "He cares about
the environment as well as enhancing wildlife habitat
and follows through with his conservation plans," commented Howe.
Lewis first contacted NRCS in 1995 when he requested
assistance in restoring a three-acre pond on his newly purchased land. The
existing dam was approaching failure and needed to be reinforced. Lewis also
wanted to make the pond as large as possible, but needed the NRCS technical
assistance to determine the size restrictions of the pond. Howe designed the
restored, improved, and enlarged pond, and Lewis was pleased with the results.
"I have been really happy with the pond, and I am confident that the newly
restored dam is reliable," said Lewis. He also remarked that the property
value has increased due to the pond restoration. Someday, he hopes to build a
home site near the pond. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)
provided six duck boxes for the pond which Lewis says he and his wife have
enjoyed. "We love wildlife and it feels good to know that we are improving
their habitat."
Lewis then turned his attention to the rest of his land which
consisted of idle cropland. He decided to plant trees, both for profit as well
as enhanced wildlife habitat. "I had a private forestry consultant visit my
land to give me an estimate for planting trees," mentioned Lewis.
"Then, local farmers told me about NRCS' cost-share programs and that’s
when David suggested FIP."
FIP assisted him in planting 36 acres of trees, including
longleaf and loblolly pines. "By receiving cost-share through FIP, I saved
over $2,000 and received much needed technical guidance," he said. Howe
also suggested that Lewis apply for assistance through EQIP to plant grass for
hay in an old watermelon field. Lewis is now able to make a profit by bailing
hay and is considering fencing in the area to hold cattle.
Lewis is proud of the work he has accomplished on his land
and looks forward to improving it in years to come. "I know that this land
is going to play a major role in my life, and someday I hope to have a house
built near the pond so that I can call this my home," he revealed. "I
am thankful for NRCS cost-share programs and conservation professionals, like
David, who have the knowledge to help landowners make informed,
environmentally-sound decisions."
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